Empty Bowls, but full hearts: Fundraiser helps Post Falls children stay fed
This year's Empty Bowls fundraiser through the 3rd Avenue Marketplace is featuring ceramic bowls crafted at Hands to Art studio and paid for by Post Falls Community Volunteers.
Courtesy photo
POST FALLS — This year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser is about warming the heart by keeping kids fed through the Children’s Weekend Backpack program.
Program coordinator Mel Larson said the program means kids aren’t going hungry on the weekends when they are away from school.
“This program is truly a testament to the power of a caring community because when we lift our kids, we lift up our future,” Larson said.
Empty Bowls is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. March 27 at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, 5271 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls. Proceeds will go to buying food for kids.
The 3rd Avenue Marketplace purchases food for the program and volunteers at Calvary Lutheran Church pack it into bags.
Ponderosa Elementary Principal Scott Ross said he is grateful for the backpack program.
“I’ve had several students say, ‘Mr. Ross I don’t have food at home,'” Ross said. “It’s a heartbreaking thing.”
He said many families struggle to regularly have food on the table.
“It’s a big deal if they’re able to take food home with them and they’re not stressed out about it,” Ross said.
The marketplace provides food to 140 elementary school children and 31 middle school students in the Post Falls School District. Lunches are also provided for some students at Kootenai Classical Academy Charter School.
Ceramic bowls crafted through Hands to Art studio will be the highlight of the night.
Brana Cully of the 3rd Avenue Marketplace said the bowls are works of art as well as vessels for great-tasting food.
“Those artists are amazing,” Cully said. “Their best artists donate a ton of their time and people will line up to get some of them.”
Info: 3rdavenuemarketplace.org, 208-773-0139 or Brana@3rdAvenueMarketplace.org.